Sen. Stegner a finalist for UI's top lobbyist job

The Lewiston Tribune reports today that Sen. Joe Stegner, R-Lewiston, is among three finalists to replace the retiring Marty Peterson, longtime University of Idaho special assistant to the president for government relations and top lobbyist for the university in Boise. Stegner, a seven-term senator, current chairman of the Senate Local Government & Taxation Committee and former assistant majority leader, will join the other two finalists - Wayne Hammon, Gov. Butch Otter's budget chief, and Idaho Grain Producers Executive Director Travis Jones - next week on the UI campus for interviews and open forums with the UI community.

Tribune reporter Joel Mills reports that there were about 100 applicants for the position; both Stegner and Jones are UI alumni. UI Vice President for Advancement Chris Murray told the Trib, "The interest was very, very high," and praised all three finalists. "First and foremost, they're very solid people," he said. "Each of them has great skills relative to working in the state Legislature. That's an important part of our budget, and it's an important part of our success. In order to serve the state, we need to have the proper state funding."